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Author: Veronica Charalambous

Ageing Well Project: Empowering Caregivers Through A Transformative Learning Experience 

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

A groundbreaking learning opportunity for caregivers supporting the elderly took place online on January 27-28, 2024. The Ageing Well Project, with the active participation of CARDET, successfully delivered a Train-the-Trainers Master Class, offering invaluable insights and practical strategies for enhancing the well-being of older adults.

The interactive sessions featured live-evoking presentations and fostered the exchange of best practices in compassionate caregiving. Caregivers and adult educators engaged in discussions on critical topics, including:

  • Raising awareness of age discrimination and stereotypes
  • Understanding and mapping the fundamental needs of the elderly
  • Building a strong foundation for well-being and quality of life
  • Monitoring and supporting elderly individuals in their well-being practices
  • Effective communication strategies for engaging with the elderly
  • Encouraging positive lifestyle changes and active ageing
  • Addressing compassion fatigue and prioritizing self-care for caregivers

This initiative provided participants with actionable tools and knowledge to enhance their caregiving approaches, ultimately promoting a more supportive and inclusive environment for elderly individuals.

The Ageing Well Project is dedicated to improving the lives of older adults and those who support them. By offering innovative tools, training, and resources, we aim to promote well-being, resilience, and active engagement in society.

For those interested in fostering positive ageing experiences, further resources and information can be accessed through the project’s website, here.

MILES Project Hosts TPM and ToT in Cluj-Napoca, Advancing Media Literacy

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

From January 22nd to 24th, 2025, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, hosted the Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) and Training of Trainers (ToT) for the Media and Information Literacy and Pre-bunking Approaches for Critical Thinking in the Education Sector (MILES) Project. This event brought together partners from across the initiative to finalize key components of the project and prepare for upcoming teacher training programs.

The meeting provided a collaborative platform for partners to review and enhance the materials developed for the MILES project. Participants worked together to refine the training modules, brainstorm methodological frameworks for both Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and Continuous Professional Development (CPD), and validate the final versions of exercises, games, and self-evaluation tools. These resources are tailored to equip teachers with effective strategies to address societal challenges in the online environment, particularly disinformation.

The MILES Project, an Erasmus+ initiative, is committed to building resilience against disinformation by fostering independent and critical thinking. By integrating media and information literacy, pre-bunking techniques, and data/digital literacy into ITT and CPD programs, the project aims to empower current and future educators to navigate the complexities of the digital age.

For more information about the project, visit the official website: MILES Project.

Final Conference Concludes the Green League – Sport Alliance for the Environment Project

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On January 24, 2025, the Green League – Sport Alliance for the Environment project culminated in a final conference held in Brussels, bringing together over 200 participants, including EU policymakers, sports and environmental stakeholders, civil society organizations (CSOs), and athletes. Τhe event showcased the project’s outcomes, promoted a greener sports sector, and highlighted the potential of sports as a powerful tool for environmental education. The conference reaffirmed the project’s dedication to fostering a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem across Europe.

The agenda featured a variety of engaging activities aimed at inspiring dialogue and action. Highlights included the presentation of the Green League Model, an innovative framework designed to integrate environmental awareness into sports. Attendees explored a dynamic exhibition of “Green Zines” inspired by nature’s four elements and enjoyed a documentary showcasing the project’s achievements and best moments. The conference concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by key EU stakeholders, symbolizing their commitment to establishing an EU Sport Alliance for the Environment.

Over the course of 30 months, the Green League project worked to build the capacity of sports professionals and organizations to champion sustainability through outdoor physical activities. Local Green Leagues, which combined sports tournaments with environmental initiatives, were successfully piloted, actively engaging sports clubs, young players, and amateur athletes. These efforts demonstrated the power of experiential learning and collaborative development in advancing environmental awareness within the sports sector.

The conference underscored the transformative potential of sports in addressing climate change and fostering sustainability. Discussions delved into how sports organizations can influence climate action policies, ranging from reducing energy use and implementing recycling programs to initiating community-driven environmental projects. Participants highlighted the importance of partnerships between sports entities and environmental organizations to develop impactful, scalable solutions that engage both institutions and fans.

By promoting sports as a vehicle for environmental education, the Green League project has set the stage for a new era of sustainable practices in the European sports sector. As the EU continues to prioritize sports as a means to tackle social, economic, and environmental challenges, the lessons learned and partnerships formed through this initiative provide a valuable roadmap for the future.

The conference not only marked the conclusion of the project, but also signaled the beginning of a broader movement toward a greener, more sustainable sports ecosystem.

Learn more about the project here.

Green League Event: Sports as a Catalyst for Social Responsibility and Sustainability

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The event “Role Models and Social Responsibility in Sports’’ organized by the CARDET research center in collaboration with GDA Sports, was held successfully on Wednesday, 15 January 2025, at the Cyta Amphitheater in Nicosia.  The discussion focused on the role of sports in shaping social values, promoting sustainability, and enhancing social inclusion within the framework of the European project Green League: Sport Alliance for the Environment.

The event brought together distinguished individuals from Cypriot sports, research, and civil society, who analyzed various aspects of social responsibility, sustainability in sports through green practices, and the power of sports as a catalyst for social change.

Keynote Speakers and Outcomes 

  • Nektarios Alexandrou, former international footballer, Football Youth Elite Coach, Technical Director (U14-U15) & Coach (U15) at Chalkanoras Idaliou, Founder & Director of GDA Sports LTD & Excel Football Project LTD, highlighted the importance of mental health and empowering young athletes, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to boost their confidence and help them manage pressure.
  • Maria Markou, Paralympic Powerlifter, shared her personal experiences, shedding light on the strength of inclusive integration and the challenges faced by athletes with disabilities, underlining that such challenges can serve as inspiration for society.
  • Panicos Xiourouppas, former international footballer, President of “Iliaktida Zois”, and Vice President of the initiative “Goal in Life’’, focused on the role of athletes as social role models, emphasizing the unifying power of sports in building bridges of understanding.
  • Leontios Tselepos, Lawyer and Sports Administration Consultant, elaborated on the principles of social responsibility, highlighting the need to adopt sustainable practices to strengthen trust and connections with society.
  • Constantinos Kaïlis, Operations Manager at the “Tasos Papanastasiou Foundation”, presented green initiatives in sports, stressing that environmental consciousness must be integrated into all aspects of sports activities.
  • Antonis Alexopoulos, Lecturer in Sports Sociology at the European University of Cyprus, emphasized the importance of sports facilities as a basis for promoting sustainability in local communities.
  • Marinos Papaioakeim, Team Leader of the Sustainable Development Department at CARDET, analyzed the role of athletes as sustainability ambassadors, pointing out their ability to inspire the younger generation to take action for the environment.
  • Vanessa Symeonidou, CARDET’s Project Officer, presented the Green League project and explained how sports can connect people to the environment and encourage sustainable practices through outdoor activities and environmental awareness.

The event concluded with active dialogue and an exchange of views, reaffirming the importance of sports as a tool for social change and the promotion of sustainability and diversity. Participants expressed their commitment to creating a fairer, more inclusive, and greener future through sports.

As a symbolic yet substantial gesture, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony took place, sealing the commitment of CARDET, on behalf of the Green League project, and 10 collaborating organizations, associations, and individuals to promote the principles of the Green League Model for sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

The event was moderated by Mikaello Papadakis, Journalist and Director of Total Sports Marketing. For more information about the Green League project, visit the website here.

EcoSTEAM Project Completes Successful Pilot at Lighthouse Private School

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The EcoSTEAM Project, an Erasmus+ funded initiative aimed at enhancing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education with a focus on environmental awareness, has successfully completed its pilot phase at Lighthouse Private School in Limassol. 

Over the course of 12 weeks, 65 secondary school students and 6 STEAM educators participated in project-based activities centered on climate change, environmental conservation, and exploring future careers in STEAM fields. The pilot program featured over 12 innovative activities designed to foster creative and critical thinking while enhancing students’ collaboration skills. Participants reported significant improvements in their understanding of both local and global environmental issues, empowering them to effectively tackle sustainability and climate change challenges.

The insights gained from the pilot at Lighthouse Private School will be instrumental in shaping future educational initiatives, addressing global educational, social, and environmental challenges.

The EcoSTEAM Project’s primary objective is to disseminate and refine educational content developed during the initiative. Feedback from students and educators will be used to enhance the materials and teaching methods for future implementations. The project also involved primary school students and teachers, creating a holistic educational experience across different age groups.

For more information about the EcoSTEAM Development Project and its initiatives, please visit the website here.

Youth Leaders from Cyprus Inspire Action on Sustainability and Leadership

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

In the final week before the Christmas break, two youth leaders from Cyprus, Anastasis and Nefeli, conducted workshops promoting sustainability and leadership among high school students. Representing CARDET, they applied the knowledge and skills they had gained during the International Youth Leaders’ Meeting in Malaga, Spain, in October 2024, as part of the EU-funded UxGE project, to deliver impactful sessions at Lykeio Latsion. The workshops engaged 16 students, all aged 17, focusing on two key themes: leadership in environmental action and sustainable consumption.

The first workshop began with an introduction to leadership, highlighting its significance, various types, and examples of green leadership. Students participated in practical activities, including ranking leadership styles and analyzing case studies to identify different leadership approaches in various scenarios.

The second workshop shifted the focus to sustainable consumption. Through an interactive game, students categorized products based on their sustainability. This was followed by a presentation on sustainable shopping practices, which covered criteria for choosing environmentally friendly products and examples of best practices.

Despite it being their first time facilitating workshops, Anastasis and Nefeli excelled in engaging the participants through dynamic presentations and hands-on activities. Their efforts inspired the students to actively participate, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainability and leadership. This initiative not only demonstrated the potential of youth-led action but also empowered participants to take responsibility for promoting environmental sustainability and leadership in their communities. Anastasis and Nefeli’s dedication and creativity highlighted the critical role of youth leadership in shaping a sustainable future.

These workshops were part of the UxGE Project, which aims to holistically develop youth leaders and stakeholders. By focusing on leadership, critical thinking, sustainability, and environmental awareness, the project strives to create a robust framework for personal and professional growth. The ultimate goal is to cultivate young leaders who are not only aware of environmental challenges but also equipped to lead their communities toward sustainable practices and policies.

Learn more about the UxGE Project, here.

CARDET Participates in Teacher’s Day Professional Development Sessions

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Blog.

On December 12, 2024, CARDET actively contributed to the professional development sessions organized as part of the “Teacher’s Day” event for General Secondary, Technical, and Vocational Education and Training educators. The event, hosted by the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute, served as a platform for sharing innovative practices aimed at improving school environments and supporting educational professionals.

Education is a fundamental pillar of CARDET’s work, and with many years of experience in implementing innovative programs, the organization plays a key role in empowering educators and enhancing the learning experience. As part of the event, CARDET delivered two impactful presentations:

Collegiality and Wellbeing in the School Environment
This session, presented within the frameworks of the COSERE, Ageing Well projects, addressed the importance of fostering collaboration and promoting wellbeing among educators. The sessions were held at Zakaki Gymnasium and Laniteio High School in Limassol. During these sessions, an introduction to positive psychology and the PERMA model, which promotes well-being, was provided. Educators were divided into groups and outlined the profile of the “ideal colleague”. They explored challenges and engaged in brainstorming sessions to generate creative actions aimed at fostering collegiality. These ideas were later presented to the plenary session and their school administration.

Wellbeing in the School Environment through Inclusive Education
This session, drawing from the ACT-Inclusive project, emphasized the principles of inclusive education and the importance of creating supportive, inclusive spaces for both students and teachers. It was held at Ayios Antonios High School in Limassol.

Application of Educational Digital Activities for Climate Change and Sustainable Mobility
Focusing on the enhancement of Education for Sustainable Development and Global Education within the framework of the SMILE Project, this session was presented at Agios Antonios High School in Limassol.

CARDET’s participation underscores its commitment to promoting wellbeing and inclusivity in education, aligning with its broader mission to elevate the quality of teaching and learning in schools.

LEADING 2030 Project Concludes with Final TPM and Conference in Dresden, Germany

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The LEADING 2030 Project concluded with its final Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) and Conference on December 5-6, 2024, in Dresden, Germany. This marked the successful conclusion of a significant initiative aimed at boosting post-pandemic sustainable business practices. The Conference brought together business leaders, consultants, and Continuing Vocational Education and Training (CVET) professionals to celebrate the project’s accomplishments and showcase its groundbreaking resources for promoting sustainability.

The keynote speech was both compelling and insightful, as were the two presentations featuring practices from local organizations. These presentations sparked lively and engaging discussions among participants. The Final Meeting was highly productive, resulting in a clear plan for completing the remaining tasks necessary to finalize the project.

The LEADING 2030 initiative has been instrumental in upskilling professionals to align business goals with sustainable development and integrate sustainability into key sectors. By focusing on empowering both business consultants and leaders, the project addressed a critical need for sustainable business practices in a rapidly changing world.

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the StoryMaps, an innovative digital resource designed to inspire businesses and individuals toward sustainable development. The StoryMaps use a compelling storytelling approach to sustainability, identifying and showcasing best practices from across the participating countries. These digital narratives not only share impactful data, but also map the efforts of organizations committed to the SDGs, offering a wealth of resources and knowledge on actions aligned with the United Nations’ Agenda 2030.

The StoryMaps will soon be made available on the  LEADING 2030 WebHub, a platform that houses a wealth of digital tools and resources designed to promote sustainable business transformation. The WebHub has been a central feature throughout the project, offering access to training materials, tools, and other resources to help professionals implement sustainable practices across industries.

As the LEADING 2030 project concludes, its impact continues to resonate across Europe, driving forward a culture of sustainability and providing essential tools to equip future leaders in making sustainability a core business strategy. The project’s legacy promises to influence how businesses approach sustainability in the years to come, contributing to the broader goal of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Explore more insights about the LEADING 2030 Project here

CARDET Participates at the “Bridging the Gap Between Higher Education and VET with Industry” Conference

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Blog.

On December 5th, Dr. Xanthia Aristidou, Senior Project Manager and Researcher at CARDET, delivered a key presentation at the “Bridging the Gap Between Higher Education and VET with Industry” Conference, organized by the Foundation for the Management of European Lifelong Learning Programmes (National Agency for Erasmus+ Cyprus). Held in Limassol from December 3-5, the event brought together leading experts from education, vocational training, and industry to discuss strategies for enhancing workforce development through education and training.

In her presentation, titled “Upskilling and Re-skilling the Workforce: The Role of Universities and Adult Education Providers,” Dr. Aristidou showcased the significant outcomes and impact of CARDET’s ongoing Erasmus+ initiatives that are directly shaping the future of adult education. These projects have proven to be key drivers in addressing the ever-growing demand for skill development in today’s rapidly evolving labor market.

Dr. Aristidou highlighted the following projects:

  • RALExILA: This initiative is instrumental in supporting the development of national registries for adult learning, ensuring that educational programs are accessible and aligned with the needs of adult learners across Europe.
  • PartnerUP:  Focused on enhancing partnerships between educational institutions and industry, PartnerUP promotes pathways for upskilling that are responsive to labor market needs and help bridge the skills gap.
  • ADULTDIGITALUP:  This project is empowering the digital skills of adults in Cyprus, ensuring that the workforce remains competitive in an increasingly digital world.
  • JUST4ALL: Promotes a just transition through inclusive lifelong learning.

The conference provided a key opportunity for CARDET to demonstrate its leadership in adult education and workforce development. By showcasing impactful projects like RALExILA, PartnerUP, JUST4ALL, and ADULTDIGITALUP, CARDET highlighted its role in driving meaningful change and fostering the skills necessary for a dynamic workforce. The event also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between education, vocational training, and industry to create a skilled, adaptable workforce for the future.

Supporting Mental Health Resilience among Youth in Cyprus

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Health & Wellbeing, Projects & Initiatives, Youth, Rights & Inclusion.

The project Supporting Mental Health Resilience among Youth in Cyprus, funded by the European Commission via the Technical Support Instrument and implemented by the Ministry of Health and UNICEF, aims to improve the mental health and resilience of young people in Cyprus. It addresses the significant mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately affected young people, particularly those in vulnerable groups. The research activities of the project are coordinated by CARDET.

The project has been submitted to the Cyprus National Bioethics Committee and has obtained the necessary approval. The project focuses on developing youth-friendly mental health promotion and prevention services at the municipal level, co-designed with young people to ensure their voices are integral to the process. Key objectives include creating a youth engagement framework, strengthening community-based mental health services, and providing capacity-building for service providers. It also supports the development of a National Mental Health Strategy in Cyprus, aligning with international best practices and fostering a sustainable, inclusive approach to mental health for young people.